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Incident
Sheriff Sampson was killed in an automobile accident while transporting a prisoner to Waupun. The accident occurred in Columbia County when he swerved into a tree to avoid being struck by a car that ran a stop sign.
Sheriff Sampson had served with the LaCrosse Police Department for 23 years prior to being elected sheriff.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
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23 years. You could have gone home.
Sheriff Sampson gave the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office 23 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the LaCrosse community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Sampson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
La Crosse County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Roy is one of 125 officers lost to accidents in WI, 39.3% of the 318 remembered there.
Roy is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Roy is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1952, 1 officer in WI was lost to accidents, the 35th heaviest of 72 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 5.
In 1952, 52 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 90th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1952, 65 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 83rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Roy had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Roy had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Roy had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 6.4% of these deaths in WI; July holds the most, 16.8%. Wednesdays: 13.6%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at La Crosse County Sheriff's Office.
Accident deaths account for 39.3% of all 318 deaths in WI, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
La Crosse County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Roy among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from La Crosse County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.